Bristol Cathedral The life of the Cathedral Floor plan This Cathedral has stood at the centre of Bristol’s 1 The Nave (1868-1877) In the twelfth century an Augustinian Abbey was religious, cultural and civic life since the middle ages. founded on this site by prominent local citizen, Robert 2 Elder Lady Chapel (c. 1220) It is dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity and is Fitzharding. The remains of the abbey can still be seen Strange carvings, Berkeley Tomb the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Bristol, which in the Chapter House, the Abbey Gatehouse and the 3 Choir (from 1298) stretches through Gloucestershire and buildings of Bristol Cathedral Choir School, but it is the Roof vaulting, choir stalls, Wiltshire to Swindon. It is a place of east end of the Cathedral which is particularly special; it misericords, organ sanctuary, worship and prayer and all are 5 is one of the finest examples in the world of a medieval 4 High Altar (1899) welcome. You can enjoy the glories of a ‘hall church’. This means that the vaulted ceilings in Reredos, mosaic floor choral musical tradition that goes the nave, choir, and aisles are all at the same height, back to the days when Augustinian 5 Eastern Lady Chapel (from 1298) creating a lofty and light space with a series of elegant Canons first worshipped here in 6 Colours, tombs, effigies, candlesticks arches. The original abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII’s the twelfth century. Every day we 6 Berkeley Chapel (from 1298) commissioners in 1539, and the nave that was being follow that monastic rhythm with Sacristy roofing, bread oven, rebuilt at the time was never completed. The Church 4 services of Morning Prayer, the candelabrum, remains of wall painting became a Cathedral in 1542 but did not get a new nave Eucharist, and Choral until the 1860s. Noted architect, G.E. Street, designed 7 South Transept Evensong (or Evening a new nave in a Gothic Revival design that mirrored Saxon stone, night stair Prayer). Please feel free the architecture of the hall church. J.L. Pearson then 8 Cloister, Chapter House to join us, or simply walk added the two towers at the West End and a further 2 3 and Garden around. The Berkeley re-ordering of the interior was completed in the early and Elder Lady Chapel part of the twentieth century. The choir screen, which are set aside for prayer separates the nave from the east end of the church, the 8 and contemplation. reredos (or screen behind the altar), and the pulpit were 7 Ask a Verger or added at this time. Welcomer if you would like information about service times. We also Cloister host recitals, concerts, education days and other events. Please see our website for full details: www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk 1 “ Superior to anything else built in England and indeed in Europe at the same time. Pevsner ” A brief history In Trust for the future St Augustine’s Abbey The Dean and Chapter are responsible for the life and Cathedral guide 1140 The Abbey was founded upkeep of the Cathedral. They hold it in trust for the by Robert Fitzharding. congregation, local community and all our visitors, and English are helped in their efforts by the Bristol Cathedral Trust, c. 1160 Norman Chapter House was built. the Fitzhardinge Society, the Friends, and the Choral c. 1220 The Elder Lady Chapel was added Foundation. Leaflets about their work can be found in by Abbot David to the north transept. the Cathedral. 1298 Abbot Knowle began to rebuild the Norman church, making the vaults To make your visit more comfortable in the nave, choir and aisles all the Toilets same height. This became known as Access to these facilities is through the Cathedral a ‘hall church’ and was a very influential Garden, which is reached from the Cloister. design in European architectural history. Disabled facilities are available next to the Café. 1539 The Abbey was dissolved and the Café 1542 partially re-built nave was The Café is located at the end of the Cloister. never completed. Bristol Cathedral Books and souvenirs The Cathedral Shop is situated by the main entrance. The remaining portion of the 1542 It has a wide range of cards, gifts, devotional products building became the new Cathedral. and books. 1868-1888 The nave and west front was built in For much of the year Welcomers are present in the the Gothic Revival style under architect Cathedral. A Verger is always on duty. Our staff are G.E. Street and completed by J.L. Pearson. eager to help: please do not hesitate to ask them c. 1900 The choir screen, reredos and other for assistance. fittings were installed by J.L. Pearson. 1941 Bomb damage during World War II destroyed the windows in the north nave aisle. They were replaced with windows commemorating the contribution of the civilian forces to the war effort. 1965 The South Choir Aisle window by Keith New was installed. It is an abstract image portraying the Holy Spirit. For more details about the Cathedral please contact: Bristol Cathedral Office Abbey Gatehouse, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ Telephone: 0117 926 4879 www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk.